Save A quick, flavorful pasta dish made with minimal ingredients for maximum taste and minimal effort.
Whenever I'm short on time or craving comfort food without fuss, this pasta recipe is my go-to. It tastes like a restaurant meal but uses everyday pantry staples, perfect for lazy evenings.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g dried spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Sauce: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (finely sliced), 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 100 g cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 tsp salt, freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Finishing: 20 g grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving), handful fresh basil leaves (torn, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Sauce:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Combine:
- Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Finish & Serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning. Serve topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Save 
Save My family loves how customizable this pasta is. Some nights we add baby spinach, other times a sprinkle of extra cheese for everyone to share around the table.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, colander, chefs knife, wooden spoon are all you need for this simple dish.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk (Parmesan cheese). Always check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 430, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 14 g.
Save 
Save Make this pasta anytime you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Sprinkle with extra cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Adding a splash of reserved pasta water while tossing the pasta in the skillet helps create a silky, creamy texture without extra cream.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti or other long, thin pasta varieties work well to evenly coat with the sauce and ingredients.
- → Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, baby spinach or arugula can be stirred in at the end for extra freshness and nutrients.
- → Is it possible to prepare a vegan version?
Omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative for a vegan-friendly option.
- → How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté garlic over medium heat for just about one minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown or turn bitter.